1 Peter 4:12-19

Expanded Bible

Suffering as a Christian

¹² ·My friends [Beloved], do not be surprised at the ·terrible trouble [fiery ordeal; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:1–3] which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. ¹³ But ·be happy [rejoice] that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings so that you will ·be happy and full of joy [^Lrejoice exulting/joyously] ·when Christ comes again in glory [^Lat the revelation of his glory]. ¹⁴ When people ·insult [ridicule] you ·because you follow Christ [^Lfor the name of Christ], you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, ·is with [rests on] you [Is. 11:1–2]. ¹⁵ Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor ·because you trouble other people [as a meddler/troublemaker]. ¹⁶ But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. ·Praise [Glorify] God ·because you wear that name [or because you are called by his name; ^Lin that name]. ¹⁷ [^LFor] It is time for judgment to begin with ·God’s family [^Tthe household of God; 2:4–5]. And if that judging begins with us, what will ·happen to [^Lbe the end for] those people who do not obey the ·Good News [Gospel] of God?

¹⁹ So those who suffer ·as God wants [or because God has allowed it; ^Laccording to the will of God] should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is ·right [good].